Performed in English by LibriVox volunteers

This sentimental drama, written by the prolific German dramatist, August von Kotzebue (a friend of Ludwig von Beethoven,) was originally published under the title “Menshenhass und Reue.” When the play was translated into English in the late 1790s, it quickly became a runaway success in both Great Britain and the United States and remained a staple of dramatic companies for most on the 19th century. The fairytale-like plot, with its story of lost love, concealed identity, crushing guilt, and healing redemption, charmed generations of tearful Victorian theatre-goes. - Summary by Kelly Taylor